Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: A Single-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Neck pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, affecting the cervical region. It represents one of the leading causes of disability, with a prevalence of 30%. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive electrotherapy technique that enables direct modulation of cortical excitability. It involves the application of a low-intensity electrical current to the scalp, targeting the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of tDCS on functionality, pain, mobility, and pressure pain threshold in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Methods: Thirty participants (18–60 years) were selected to receive ten treatment sessions over a four-week period using tDCS (CG = 15) or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) (CG = 15), with the following various related variables evaluated: functionality (Neck Disability Index), pain intensity (NPRS), cervical range of motion (ROM), and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-treatment, one month, and three months after the intervention. Results: The within-group analysis revealed statistically significant improvements for both groups at post-treatment, one-month follow-up, and three-month follow-up. Conclusions: The comparison between groups shows favorable changes in the tDCS group for PPT measurements.